Photo; AP

The Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth,” is facing an unprecedented environmental and health crisis. In 2024, the region saw the worst wildfire season since 2005, with fires spreading across large areas of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and other countries.

These fires are not only destroying the rainforest, but they are also severely impacting the health of Indigenous communities who live in and depend on these forests.

The United Nations and environmental experts have raised urgent alarms about the situation. They warn that unchecked fires and deforestation in the Amazon can lead to long-term environmental damage, while simultaneously increasing health risks for Indigenous populations. Smoke, air pollution, and the spread of diseases are among the most pressing concerns.

How Fires Affect Indigenous Health

The smoke produced by Amazon fires contains a dangerous mix of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic substances. Prolonged exposure to this smoke can cause severe respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. For Indigenous communities, who often live in remote areas far from hospitals or clinics, these health risks are amplified.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Many Indigenous people also rely on traditional medicines and natural remedies, which may not be sufficient to treat serious respiratory conditions caused by smoke inhalation. In some areas, lack of access to clean water and sanitation further worsens health outcomes.

Experts also warn that forest fires disrupt the natural habitat of wildlife, leading to the spread of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that transfer from animals to humans. When forests are destroyed or disturbed, animals are forced to migrate closer to human settlements. This increases the likelihood of disease transmission, including malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases.

Importance of Indigenous Territories

Indigenous lands play a critical role in protecting the environment and public health. Research shows that areas managed by Indigenous communities tend to have lower deforestation rates and better conservation outcomes than other regions. These territories act as natural barriers that preserve biodiversity, protect water resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, the preservation of these lands helps reduce the spread of diseases. Healthy forests support balanced ecosystems, where predators, prey, and other species interact in ways that prevent the overpopulation of disease-carrying animals. Indigenous communities have managed these ecosystems sustainably for generations, using traditional knowledge to maintain harmony between humans and nature.

However, Indigenous territories are under increasing threat. Illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing are common in parts of the Amazon, exposing Indigenous populations to environmental hazards and health risks. Fires are often set intentionally to clear land for agriculture or commercial purposes, further endangering both the forest and the people who live there.

Government and UN Response

The United Nations has called on governments in the Amazon region to take immediate action to protect both Indigenous communities and the rainforest. This includes enforcing existing environmental laws, supporting Indigenous land rights, and providing healthcare services in remote areas.

Some governments have begun increasing monitoring of forests using satellite technology to detect illegal activities and fires early. Emergency health services have been dispatched to affected communities, and temporary shelters have been set up for families displaced by fires.

The UN and environmental organizations also stress the need for international cooperation. The Amazon spans multiple countries, and fires in one region can have effects far beyond national borders. Smoke from fires can travel hundreds of miles, affecting air quality in nearby countries and even globally.

Long-Term Environmental Consequences

The destruction of the Amazon rainforest has severe consequences for the planet. The forest absorbs billions of tons of carbon dioxide each year, helping to regulate global climate. When trees are burned, not only is this carbon absorption lost, but large amounts of carbon are released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Loss of biodiversity is another major concern. The Amazon is home to millions of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Fires destroy habitats, reduce species populations, and disrupt ecological balance. Once certain species disappear, the effects ripple through the ecosystem, making the forest more vulnerable to future fires and environmental stress.

For Indigenous people, the consequences are personal. Loss of forest means loss of food sources, medicinal plants, and cultural sites. Communities that have lived sustainably in these forests for centuries may lose their homes, traditions, and ways of life.

Challenges in Protecting Indigenous Health

Protecting Indigenous communities during this crisis is complex. Many communities are geographically isolated, making it difficult for medical teams and emergency services to reach them quickly. Lack of infrastructure, such as roads and hospitals, compounds the problem.

In addition, cultural and language differences can hinder communication between government agencies and Indigenous groups. Efforts to provide medical aid and environmental protection must respect Indigenous rights, customs, and governance structures. Without proper coordination, interventions may be less effective or even unintentionally harmful.

Global Implications

The fires in the Amazon are not just a local problem; they have global implications. The Amazon plays a key role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Its destruction can lead to more extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves in other parts of the world.

International investors and governments are being urged to fund sustainable forest management and fire prevention initiatives. Supporting Indigenous communities is seen as one of the most effective ways to protect the forest and reduce the impact of climate change.

Recommendations for Immediate Action

• Experts recommend several immediate measures to address the crisis:
• Strict enforcement of anti-logging and land protection laws to prevent illegal land clearing.
• Support for Indigenous land rights to ensure communities have control over their territories.
• Emergency healthcare services to treat respiratory illnesses and injuries caused by fires.
• Monitoring and early warning systems using satellites and drones to detect fires quickly.
• International collaboration and funding to provide resources for fire prevention and forest restoration.
• These steps are critical not only for protecting Indigenous health but also for maintaining the Amazon’s role in regulating the Earth’s climate.

The Amazon rainforest fires are a humanitarian and environmental crisis. Indigenous communities face serious health risks from smoke, pollution, and the spread of diseases. At the same time, the destruction of the forest threatens biodiversity, climate stability, and the livelihoods of millions of people.

Protecting the Amazon requires urgent action from both local governments and the international community. Supporting Indigenous communities, enforcing environmental laws, and investing in sustainable forest management are essential steps.

As the UN emphasizes, the health of the Amazon and its people is closely tied to the health of the planet. Ensuring that Indigenous communities can live safely and sustainably in their territories is critical to preventing further environmental disaster and protecting future generations.